India Must Stay Alert Over West Asia Crisis, Says Civil Aviation Minister
Minister says India alert on West Asia crisis; aviation fares and connectivity remain stable.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Wednesday said India must remain alert to possible spillover effects from the escalating West Asia crisis, while stressing that there is no immediate threat to the country’s civil aviation sector. He made the remarks while addressing reporters in Ranchi, underlining the need for continuous risk assessment across all sectors.
The minister said that although the current situation is not “worrisome,” India must adopt a proactive approach in preparing short-term, medium-term and long-term mitigation strategies. He noted that civil aviation, along with other critical sectors, should closely monitor global developments and remain ready to respond if required.
Addressing public concerns over potential airfare increases amid global uncertainty, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said the Centre had already taken steps to protect domestic passengers from sharp fare hikes. He highlighted reductions in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) taxes and cuts in airport landing and parking charges as key measures aimed at stabilising ticket prices.
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The minister also pointed out that nearly five lakh passengers travel on domestic routes every day and said the government is continuously monitoring airfares. He added that if demand increases, additional flights and aircraft capacity will be deployed to ensure connectivity remains stable and affordable.
During his visit to Ranchi airport, Naidu unveiled several passenger-focused initiatives and announced that the revamped UDAN 2 regional connectivity scheme would soon be launched with an estimated outlay of ₹29,000 crore. The updated programme aims to develop 100 new airports and 200 helipads over the next decade, along with introducing affordable food outlets under the “Udan Yatri Cafe” initiative.
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding both domestic and international connectivity, particularly for Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport, where passenger traffic has grown significantly in recent years. The minister also confirmed that several districts in Jharkhand, including Dumka, Hazaribag, Chaibasa and Daltonganj, are set to receive new air connectivity in the coming phase of expansion.
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